Top 8 Casinos in Goa to Try Your Luck

Goa is one of the few states in India where gambling is legal. Casinos in Goa can be found on boats anchored in the Mandovi River, and onshore in some upmarket hotels. Most of the action, with live tables, takes place on the floating casinos -- which are entertainment destinations within themselves. By law, onshore casinos can only have electronic games.

The offshore casino market is dominated by the Deltin Group and the Pride Group. Deltin's modern and classy casinos have higher entry fees and focus on a niche segment. They're particularly popular with players of western games. The Pride Group, with lower entry fees, caters more to the masses and the Indian market.

The Pride Group also operates two small onshore casinos -- Casino Palms (at the La Calypso hotel in Baga) and Casino Paradise (at the Hotel Neo Majestic in Pororvim). However, these casinos are more suited to habitual gamblers than tourists.

Goa's largest luxury floating casino, the Deltin Royale, is not surprisingly the state's most happening casino. There are floor floors spread over 40,000 square feet, with 123 gaming tables, a gourmet restaurant, entertainment area, and Kids Zone. The casino has India's only dedicated poker room, as well as an exclusive room for Indian Flush (Teen Patti). It also has an exclusive whiskey lounge, with a magnificent selection of single malts and hand-rolled cigars. World-class entertainment is provided, such international dancers, comedy shows, and live bands. There are VIP gaming suites that guests can stay and play in as well.

Hugely popular Casino Pride offers most of the games that the Deltin Royale does. However, it's a bit cheaper on the wallet. It attracts Indian high-rollers who come to play Teen Patti, and also hosts big poker tournaments and has Bollywood-style live acts. There are three floors, spread over 30,000 square feet, with a 10,000 square foot Weather Deck (great for parties!) and around 40 gaming tables plus slot machines. In addition, there's a special Kid's Zone with games to keep the children entertained.

Address: Captain of Ports Jetty, Panjim. Ph: (0832) 6516-666.

Entry Fee: Monday to Thursday: 1,500 rupees and get one time Play Coupon worth 500 rupees. Friday to Sunday: 2,000 rupees and get one time Play Coupon worth 1,000 rupees. Unlimited buffet, and unlimited drinks until midnight, included.

Opening Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Live entertainment nightly from 9.00-11.00 p.m.

••• A guest suite on the Deltin Caravela. Courtesy of the Deltin Group

The newly refurbished Caravela was relaunched in 2016 as India's first floatel casino, combining gaming with luxurious accommodations. There are eight sprawling guest suites, including an extravagant two-level Mansion Suite with its own private gaming tables. The suites are decorated in rich shades of amber, mahogany and gold. The boat's casino has 17 gaming tables. Other facilities include a spa, on-deck Jacuzzi, and fine dining restaurant and bar located on the sundeck.

Entry Fee: There are 10,000 rupee and 20,000 rupee packages including playing chips, and unlimited drinks and snacks. Entry fees are much higher than the regular floating casinos, so it's best to stay in a suite to access the gaming rooms.

Previously called Casino Royale, this floating casino was renamed Deltin Jaqk in August 2013. It has three floors of gaming spread over 12,000 square feet, with 50 tables and 30 slot machines. Perfect for beginners, there's a special learners' tables so you can get to know the game. The casino has a bar and restaurant too.

Address: Fisheries Jetty, Panjim. Ph: +91 77 987 40004.

Entry Fee: Monday to Thursday: 2,500 rupees and get one time Play Coupon worth 2,000 rupees. Friday to Sunday: 3,000 rupees and get one time Play Coupon worth 2,000 rupees. Unlimited buffet, and unlimited drinks (house brand) while playing at the gaming tables, included.

Opening Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Live entertainment nightly from 9.p.m. until midnight.

Previously known as Casino Carnival (owned by The Marriott Resort and Spa), this smaller floating casino was sold to the Pride Group in February 2014 and subsequently renamed. It has 27 gaming tables spread over two floors, and a smaller crowd. There's a VIP room for high-rollers, and live entertainment on the main gaming floor and on the open-air deck every night. It's possible to go between Casino Pride and Casino Pride 2 at no additional cost.

Address: Captain of Ports Jetty, Panjim. Ph: (0832) 6516-666.

Entry Fee: Monday to Thursday: 1,500 rupees and get one time Play Coupon worth 500 rupees. Friday to Sunday: 2,000 rupees and get one time Play Coupon worth 1,000 rupees. Unlimited buffet, and unlimited drinks (house brand) while playing at the gaming tables, included.

Opening Hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Live entertainment nightly from 9.00-11.00 p.m.

If you're looking for a land-based casino, lavish Strike at the Grand Hyatt hotel is your best bet (pardon the pun). Launched in August 2016, it's the largest onshore casino in India and is as close as you'll get to live onshore gaming in Goa. This is made possible through a fusion of actual playing cards, manual shuffling and live dealers, and gaming machines. Gaming tables are spread over three floors -- the main floor, VIP floor, and floor for high-rollers. They feature the latest slot machines and games that aren't available in any other casinos in India. Russian dancers are a highlight of the entertainment. There's also a DJ every night. Other facilities include creche for children and Playstation games for teenagers.

Address: Bambolim. Ph: (0832) 3011-234.

Entry Fee: Packages with chips start from 1,500 rupees from Monday to Thursday, and 2,000 rupees from Friday to Sunday. Buffet dinner and unlimited drinks while gaming are included.

Casino Carnival, at the recently revamped Marriott Resort and Spa in Panjim, is also a decent onshore casino. It was established in 2001 and is housed in a huge dedicated room in the hotel. There are slot machines, as well as electronic gaming tables for Baccarat, American Roulette and Blackjack.

Chances Casino and Resort is a boutique luxury hotel with 53 rooms, situated in the scenic Vainguinim Valley not far from Panjim. The casino's claim to fame is that it's the oldest onshore one in Goa, and it still has traditional coin slot machines. This casino doesn't get as much attention as the other casinos because of its quieter south Goa location. However, it's well-known among regular gamblers and locals. A free buffet dinner is provided for gamblers. There's also live music every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday. Stay and Play packages are available.